MCINTOSH MA6600

Second-hand. In excellent condition. It has a single dent (see photo). Comes with remote control, manual, and original packaging.

2-channel Transistor Amplifier.

The McIntosh MA-6600 is a transistor amplifier that fully embodies the American tradition of the brand, while maintaining a power output of 200W, making it capable of meeting the needs of a wide range of speakers. Despite being a transistor amplifier, the MA-6600 stands out for its innovative use of auto-transformer technology, a feature that not only makes it a robust and versatile amplifier but also allows for more efficient handling of speaker impedance fluctuations.

McIntosh has always relied on a pair of transformers for its amplifiers, but in the case of transistor models like the MA-6600, an auto-transformer is used for the output. These transformers offer the advantage of a more uniform frequency response, adapting better to speaker impedance variations. This approach avoids distortion from impedance fluctuations and provides stable power, regardless of load resistance.

The auto-transformer, while smaller than traditional two-coil transformers, is designed for better compatibility with a wide range of speakers, including those with 2, 4, and 8-ohm ratings. The amplifier, with a total harmonic distortion of 0.005%, provides 200W at 8 ohms, with efficient energy flow management thanks to its power transformer and 100 Joules of filter capacity.

The MA-6600 is not only a powerful amplifier but also a complete preamplifier, with 8 inputs, 7 of which are unbalanced, and the ability to customize each input. Thanks to its digital tone control, each channel can be adjusted for bass and treble (30Hz and 10kHz), and the amplifier automatically stores the settings for future use. Additionally, the MA-6600 includes a high-quality headphone amplifier and a phono section for MM cartridges (47kOhm/65pF).

The Power Guard circuit monitors input and output signals to prevent distortion and temperature fluctuations, muting the amplifier in case of issues. The elegant design, with its glass front panel and watt indicators, reflects McIntosh's craftsmanship, making the MA-6600 a refined choice for those seeking not only excellent performance but also a design element for their audio setup.

The listening experience with the MA-6600 is as refined as it is powerful. Although a transistor amplifier, the MA-6600 delivers precise, transparent sound, with controlled bass and well-defined midranges. In particular, the MA-6600 excels in vocal music reproduction, maintaining clear, interference-free playback with a wide, detailed soundstage.

The McIntosh MA-6600 is a transistor amplifier that combines power, versatility, and sophistication. Its elegant design and advanced technical solutions make it an ideal choice for those seeking uncompromising performance in a high-end audio system. While it may not be ideal for extremely sensitive or low-impedance speakers, the MA-6600 performs at its best with dynamic speakers, ensuring incredibly precise and detailed sound reproduction.

Technical Specifications:

• Minimum continuous sine wave power per channel (both channels operating): 200 watts
• Output load impedance: 2, 4, or 8 ohms
• Rated power frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% maximum with both channels operating from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Frequency response:
  • +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
  • +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
• Preamplifier output 1 and 2 (for rated input): 1.4V unbalanced (8V maximum)
• Sensitivity (for rated output):
  • High Level: 250mV unbalanced, 500mV balanced
  • Phono: 2.5 mV; Power Amp In: 1.4V
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted):
  • High Level: 92dB below rated output
  • Phono: 84dB below 5mV input
  • Power Amplifier: 115dB below rated output
• Intermodulation distortion: 0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power is 400 watts or less per channel with both channels operating for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Wideband damping factor: > 40
• Input impedance:
  • High Level: 20K ohms
  • Phono: 47K ohms; 65pF
  • Power Amp In: 10K ohms
• Maximum input signal:
  • High Level: 8V unbalanced, 16V balanced
  • Phono: 80mV; Power Amplifier In: 16V
• Preamplifier output impedance: 220 ohms
• Voltage gain:
  • High Level to Rec Output: 0dB
  • High Level to Output 1 and 2: 15dB
  • Phono to Rec Output: 40dB
  • Phono to Output 1 and 2: 55dB
  • Power Amplifier: 29dB
• Tone controls:
  • Bass control: ±12dB (1dB steps) @ 30Hz
  • Treble control: ±12dB (1dB steps) @ 10,000Hz
• Overall dimensions (H x W x D, including front panel, knobs, feet, and cables): 19.37 cm x 44.45 cm x 55.88 cm
• Weight: 34.1 kg